Parents Are Reportedly Forcing Kids to Drink Bleach to 'Cure' Autism

A small "cult" located in the United States is being accused of encouraging parents in the United Kingdom to force their children to drink bleach in an effort to "cure" and "prevent" autism. With police investigating families of the children affected, experts are warning that these practices might prove to be deadly.

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British tabloid Sunday People reports that at least six different police forces across Britain have had to investigate families suspected of forcing their young children to drink bleach contained in a product known as "miracle mineral supplement" (MMS).

The solution essentially consists only of chloride dioxide -- a chemically manufactured gas that, when combined with water, is used as a bleaching agent and a disinfectant. The Mirror reports that when consumed, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. During its investigation, Sunday People came across a private Facebook group of British parents who claimed they were giving MMS to their autistic children. They also encouraged others to do the same, saying it would destroy the "parasites" they think cause the disorder. The publication says that many parents in the group suggested that kids be given up to 16 doses of MMS every day.

The solution is made and marketed by a United States–based cult that goes by the name the Genesis II Church. On its website, Genesis II claims that MMS helps their members perform amazing medical feats, allowing them "protection" against vaccinations and X-rays. Founder Jim Humble says that MMS is meant to "bring health to the world."

This isn't the first time Genesis II has garnered attention for spreading its "magical autism cure" to parents. In 2015, BBC investigated a conference the church held in the UK where pastor Leon Edwards encouraged parents to give their babies 27 drops of MMS a day in their bottles, saying that the solution would help "purge" their bodies.

In 2016, ABC 7 reported that a group of parents in Southern California were attempting to cure their autistic children using the substance. The outlet investigated a Genesis II follower named Kerri Rivera, who allegedly works to persuade desperate parents to buy the product. "Autism is curable," she said in a video. "I like to convince people they can cure their kids ... I believe the missing piece of the puzzle to autism recovery is chlorine dioxide."

Sunday People spoke with Dr. Jeff Foster, who said the claims made by Genesis II are completely unfounded. "Autism is a neuro-developmental condition which is not ­amenable to any form of tablet treatment. It's developed in the womb or in the early stages of life," he said. "You can't just reverse it, and anyone claiming that does not understand the condition."

The doctor also said that parents experimenting with MMS, especially on children, are playing a very deadly game. "When you have very extreme measures like this to 'cure' a condition, it's just a roulette game. Eventually, someone will die. It's only a matter of time."